We had to move our wedding date due to my fiancé’s work trip, but on the very day we were supposed to get married, I stumbled upon him in town
Six months ago, when Chris got down on one knee in the park where we had our first date and slipped a ring onto my finger, I felt like everything had fallen perfectly into place.
We set our wedding date for late fall—on my birthday, no less. It felt like fate, as if the universe had aligned for us. Chris and I were a perfect match.
He was the detailed planner, always managing spreadsheets and crafting long-term plans, while I was the impulsive dreamer, passionate about creativity and taking chances. Together, we balanced each other out—at least, that’s what I thought.
Then, a month before the wedding, everything changed. Chris’s boss gave him unexpected news—he had to leave for an urgent business trip. On our wedding day.
“It’s just three days, Jen,” Chris said as he held my hands. “I know it’s disappointing, but this is huge for my career. A promotion is on the line, and it could change everything.
We could be in our dream house sooner, extend the honeymoon… It’s important.” I was heartbroken. Who wouldn’t be?
But what could I do? Reluctantly, I agreed to postpone the wedding. I tried to stay strong, convincing myself it was just a small delay.
“Okay,” I said. “I’ll take care of everything—the vendors, the guests. You focus on the trip and your work.” “I knew you’d understand,” he smiled.
Then, my birthday came—our wedding day. Instead of getting ready, I found myself aimlessly walking through the city, nursing a coffee. My bridesmaids had wanted to keep me company, but I didn’t want to see anyone.
“Why are you acting like the wedding is canceled?” my friend Avery asked on the phone. “It’s just postponed, Jen.” “I know,” I sighed. “But… I can’t shake how I feel. Just… never mind.”
“You can talk to me, Jen,” she said softly. “I don’t even know what to say. I just feel deflated. I need to be alone, but I’ll come over tomorrow.”
After hanging up, I left my house, boots crunching against the autumn leaves as I clutched my coffee. I walked aimlessly, my thoughts a jumbled mess of disappointment and longing for what should have been.
Eventually, I found myself near a fancy boutique hotel on the edge of town. Needing something stronger than coffee, I walked in. The lobby was warm and lively, with soft chatter and the clink of glasses. I headed straight for the bar. The bartender was mixing my drink when something—or someone—caught my eye.
There he was. Chris. In a suit, standing at the reception desk, talking to the concierge. My heart stopped. I blinked, certain I was seeing things. Chris was supposed to be miles away on his business trip. What was he doing here?
Without thinking, I slapped a bill on the bar and rushed toward the stairs where I saw him disappear. My boots echoed in the quiet hall as I climbed quickly, my heart racing.
“Chris!” I called. “What’s going on? Why are you here?” He turned, looking caught off guard, his face draining of color. “Jen, wait!” he called.
“No!” I shouted. “You lied to me! You’re supposed to be away on a business trip. Are you… are you cheating on me?” He held up his hands in defense.
“No, Jen, I swear it’s not that. Just… please, come with me. I’ll explain everything.” I followed him down the hall, my anger bubbling up inside me. He stopped at a door and pulled out a keycard.
“What’s in there?” I demanded. “Who’s in there?” “Just trust me,” he said, opening the door. I scanned the room, expecting to find another woman. But instead, it was empty.
Chris motioned for me to sit in the chair by the window. “Sit down,” he said quietly. “Tell me what’s going on, Chris,” I said, my frustration growing. “I need answers.”
He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “Jen, I’ve been working on something for a long time. It’s about your mom.” I froze. “My mom?” I repeated, confused. He nodded, voice shaking slightly.
“I know you don’t talk about her much, but I know it’s hurt you. Not knowing why she left you at the hospital. Not knowing where she went or why.” The familiar ache of abandonment filled my chest.
“For the last three years, I’ve been trying to find her,” Chris continued. “I hired investigators, checked records, and even contacted labs to find matches. And I think I’ve found her.”
My heart skipped a beat. “There’s a woman named Margaret. She’s staying here at the hotel. I didn’t tell you because I wasn’t sure. I didn’t want to get your hopes up.
But a few weeks ago, we got confirmation. Her story matches yours. She’s been searching for you, Jen.” Tears welled up in my eyes. “You did all this for me? And you didn’t tell me?”
Chris stepped closer, his voice soft. “I wanted to protect you. I wanted it to be a surprise, if it was her.” I collapsed into the armchair, overwhelmed by the emotions swirling inside me.
Two hours later, there was a knock at the door. My stomach twisted as Chris stood to open it. A woman entered.
She was tall and graceful, with gray streaks in her dark hair. Her piercing green eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. We stared at each other in silence.
Finally, she spoke. “Jennifer?” My name on her lips sounded strange, like I had heard it before. I stood slowly, my hands trembling. “You’re… my mother?” Tears filled her eyes as she nodded.
“I think so. But we should get a DNA test to be sure.” “No,” I said firmly, though my emotions were in turmoil. “I don’t need a test. I know it’s you.” It felt crazy, but I could see it in her face. If this woman wasn’t my mother, she was definitely connected to me.
She smiled softly, tears slipping down her cheeks. “You look just like my mother,” she whispered. “I’ve been searching for you for so long.” Confused, I asked, “You’ve been looking for me?”
She nodded, sitting down. “It’s a long story,” she said, her voice shaking. “Forty years ago, when I gave birth to you, there was a mix-up at the hospital. The nurse switched the babies… and I left with someone else’s child.”
My world spun. “What?” I gasped. She nodded sadly. “I didn’t know the truth until years later. When my daughter, the one I thought was mine, died in a car accident.
A DNA test showed she wasn’t biologically mine. That’s when I began searching for you.”Tears filled my eyes. “But… my mother left me at the hospital,” I said, remembering what my foster mother had told me.
Her face crumpled in pain. “I know. I think the woman who was supposed to take you home ran when she realized the mistake. I’m so sorry, darling. You were abandoned because of that, and I should have been there.”
Tears streamed down my face as I tried to absorb everything. Chris wrapped his arm around me. “You’re not alone anymore,” he whispered.
Looking at the woman in front of me, my mother, I felt a strange mixture of pain and hope. After all these years, I finally had answers. And on my birthday, no less. “It’s the best gift I could’ve asked for,” I said softly.
Two weeks later, we finally had our wedding. My mother sat in the front row, tears in her eyes as Chris and I exchanged vows. And for the first time in my life, I felt whole.
